Russon - Peck Monument Dedication
On a pleasant Fall afternoon, we held a dedicatory
meeting to bring to a culmination the
efforts to honor these two pioneering families.
The monument can be seen readily from 1575
East 900 North; close to the new church building
in the area. If you were unable to attend,
please take a moment and stop to view the
monument. There is a plaque on both sides of
the rock slab.
Presiding at the meeting was Val Tucker,
Chapter President. Speakers included Carl
Mellor, Stan Russon and Ron Peck. A beautiful
hymn -- They the Builders of the Nation -- was
sung by all. The dedicatory prayer was offered
by Pres. Randy Russon of the Lehi East Stake,
and member of the Russon Family here in Lehi.
Highlights from the event include:
1) This Service Project was originally envisioned
by Carl Mellor and presented to Stan Russon on
5-18-2009.
2) The Pecks and Russons have been in the
Lehi area for 120 years
3) The monument stands on ground that was
originally Russon - Peck property.
4) Thanks were extended to the Russon and
Peck Families, Lehi City Officials, and the SUP
who combined spent countless hours working
on this project.
5) Elisha Peck, Sr joined the Church in England
at the age of 12. At age 16 he was ordained
and called to be the Branch President. At age
17 he was called as a missionary.
6) Charlotte (Lottie) Russon was a member of
the Church, and she and other girls would sing
at the missionary street meetings.
7) Elisha Peck, Sr. traveled and stopped in
Lehi. He kept track of the arrivals announced
in the Deseret News of all new immigrants to
Utah.
8) Lottie Russon arrived in SLC after an 8
week voyage to cross the ocean. Her travel
expense was paid by the Nebeker Family. The
rest of her family used the Perpetual Emigration
Funds to travel. (This money was reimbursed
to the fund so others could also
benefit.)
9) When Elisha found Lottieʼs name listed, he
walked the 30 miles to SLC to visit with her.
After months of long-distance courtship he proposed.
10) Two days later newly returned Elder
Nebeker asked for Lottieʼs hand in marriage.
Oh what a dilemma. The “Poor” Peck Boy vs
the “Rich” Nebeker Boy. Love won out, and
Charlotte married Elisha.
11) About 30,000 descendants of the Elisha
and Charlotte Peck Family are on this earth at
this time. How amazing!
12) Many of the early church meeting innovations
were begun here in Lehi. The Juvenile
Sunday School, Sunday School, Fast & Testimony
Meetings, and the Juvenile Instructor
were very successful.
The Dedicatory Prayer highlights:
1) Gratitude was given for the staying of the
elements this day. Recognition was made of
the sacrifice and dedication and willingness of
the Russon and Peck Families in the early
days of Lehi.
2) Hearts were turned unto our Father in
Heaven.
3) These 2 families resided in and created a
great community.
4) Recognition was also given for their strength
during the early and difficult times.
5) A great many Young Men and Young Women
have served missions from these 2 families.
6) The monument was dedicated by the
Authority of the Priesthood asking that the
monument stand as a method to teach and
remind all who read the plaques of their great
heritage.
7) The site was dedicated to be protected.
8) Also a feeling of love in committing ourselves
to the future and our endeavors to endure
to the end was indicated.